A full house enjoys Starry Nights concert

Kyle Whipps, David King, Kerani Mitchell and Miriam Anderson sang with Suzy Bogguss. photo by Peggey Chesser

The good times were rolling -- both on stage and off -- at Saturday's Sisters Starry Nights concert at the Sisters High School auditorium.

Singer and songwriter Kim Carnes returned for her fourth appearance at the sold-out concert on March 13. Carnes brought with her Starry Nights veteran Greg Barnhill who returned for the sixth time since the event began in 1997.

The crowd loved the two new additions, Suzy Bogguss and Carolyn Dawn Johnson, who joined Carnes this year. Together the four artists performed in a Nashville-style singer-songwriter round, and took turns showcasing their own material. The artists were accompanied by Tim Lauer on the keyboard, Billy Panda on guitar and mandolin and Dave Ellingson (Carnes' husband) on percussion and vocals.

It was evident throughout the evening the artists were thoroughly enjoying themselves. Between songs the crowd enjoyed the laughter, jokes and banter among the performers.

"It was hard to tell who was having more fun, the audience or the performers," said Principal Bob Macauley.

Carnes said, "We're all such good friends. We truly love each other and care so much for one another."

Carnes and Barnhill blended their voices in "We Can Turn This Love Around," which was the very first song they wrote together and Barnhill got the audience clapping and toe tapping to "You Put the Hold on Me." The two artists also performed Carnes' chart-topping "Don't Fall in Love With a Stranger," which Kim recorded with Kenny Rogers.

Carolyn Dawn Johnson performed a couple of songs from her debut album,"Room with a View," including the song by the same name, "Complicated" and "I Don't Want You to Go." "Single White Female," which country artist Chely Wright made into a number-one hit, was another crowd favorite. Johnson has a new album due out May 4 entitled "Dress Rehearsal."

One of the highlights of Starry Nights is when students get the privilege of performing with the artist(s). This year Sisters High School students Kyle Whipps, David King, Kerani Mitchell and Miriam Anderson sang "Letting Go" with Suzy Bogguss. Bogguss co-wrote the song with her husband, Doug Crider.

"It was just wonderful practicing with these kids," Bogguss said. "You know, I really didn't know what to expect. It was pretty awesome."

The audience was on its feet as Carnes closed the evening with her Grammy-winning number-one smash "Bette Davis Eyes." The artists came back for the encore with "Break the Rules Tonight" and "Goodnight Moon."

The crowd stayed after the show for autograph signing and purchased CDs from all the artists. Carnes just completed an album of new original material which will be released in late spring or early summer 2004. Carnes brought with her special advance Limited Edition copies. Some of the proceeds from all the CD sales were donated to Starry Nights.

Carnes told The Nugget she absolutely loves Sisters.

"I just love to watch the community support the arts and they are so gracious to us when we come," said Carnes. "When we arrive our cabin is filled with notes and cards from kids saying thank you. The cause of keeping the arts in the school keeps me coming back and of course Dan and Jeri (Fouts) who are dear, dear friends. Whenever I get the call, I'll round up some people and come. I know what we do really does make a difference."

Carolyn Dawn Johnson has been hearing about Starry Nights from Carnes for the last six years.

"Finally, the scheduling was right and I got to come," she said. "This is a very special place and I can tell people care. They're supporting the event for the right reasons. That's cool!"

Johnson said she had the opportunity to ski, hike, visit a friend in Bend and enjoy the nice weather while in Sisters.

Local resident and part owner of Aspen Lakes Golf Course Pam Mitchell said, "The show was just fantastic! It's so impressive to have that kind of talent come here to support our schools. Susan (Arends) and Jeri (Fouts, event co-chairs) have done such a great job in bringing wonderful artists to us."

Over the past six years Starry Nights has raised more than $330,000 in net proceeds for the Sisters Schools Foundation.

By the end of the 2004 series the goal is to add another $100,000 to that amount.